Week ahead: US jobs data, global manufacturing in focus

By Alexander Bueso

Date: Saturday 28 Mar 2020

(Sharecast News) - The focus over the next week will be on the release of US jobs data and the ongoing debate around the euro area's health and economic response to the coronavirus pandemic.In particular, weekly jobless claims figures due out on Thursday are expected to reveal a 3.875m jump, following the previous week's 3.283m surge.

Somewhat surprisingly, due to the reference week for the March non-farm payrolls report falling in the week ending on 14 March,, some economists believe it will still show some growth - even if lacklustre - with the full fallout from Covid-19 not expected to show up until the April report.

Also in the spotlight will be a raft of manufacturing sector surveys from around the world.

A slowdown in the rate of decline is expected in China's factory sector, but alongside data showing a contraction both in the US and euro area.

On home shores, the most timely release will come on Wednesday, in the form of GfK's consumer confidence gauge for March.